So, I took a couple skillshare classes

in pattern design. By which I mean I actually did the assignment (more or less) and posted it for comments/review. I have mixed feelings about these online courses. On the one hand, they are an awesome way to develop new skills on your own time and at your own pace. On the other, they seem to promote a sort of cloning of the teacher's design aesthetic. I like Elizabeth Olwen's work, I think much of the stuff she does is lovely. Her style seems a little narrow at first glance, but I continue to be surprised by how much variety she can generate out of a very specific visual vocabulary.

I think it is hard to resist copying it as a student. There isn't much encouragement to take the information she provides and expand it into your own aesthetic. But maybe that expectation is beyond the scope of the class, or unrealistic for new designers. I don't know. I know I found myself drawing more flower designs than I ever intended. But I am also aware that flowers are so fundamental a part of fabric design they are almost a neutral (so to speak).

So, I'm going to post a project here that I did for a class taught by Bonnie Christine. I'd be interested in anyone's (gentle, considered) critical feedback. I am of two minds, myself. On the one hand, I like them. They are, I think, (more or less) good solutions to the class assignment. On the other, I have a hard time thinking of them in terms of fabric. I think they are nice patterns. I am not sure I would buy them if presented to myself as fabric. But I am also too far inside at this point to have an objective view, perhaps. So. Here goes. Anybody? (Click to see larger).